Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, spiced, and slathered in a dreamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting—this cake tastes like fall in every bite!
Looking for a cake that’s easy to make but tastes like something from a cozy countryside bakery? This applesauce cake is it. Packed with warm spices and naturally sweetened with applesauce, it’s moist, flavorful, and comforting. And the frosting? A silky cinnamon cream cheese layer that melts over the top like a hug. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, casual brunch, or just enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, this cake delivers pure joy.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1¾ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. You can also use a 9×13-inch pan if you prefer a single-layer cake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
Set aside. These warm spices are the heart of the cake’s comforting flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy. This gives the cake its soft texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add Applesauce & Dry Mix
Alternately add the flour mixture and applesauce to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently—just until combined. The batter will be thick, spiced, and fragrant.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy and fully incorporated.
Stir in vanilla and ground cinnamon.
Beat for another 1–2 minutes until creamy and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool:
- Place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second layer, then frost the top and sides.
- For extra flair, sprinkle with cinnamon or decorate with thin apple slices or crushed nuts.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans in the batter for crunch
- Golden raisins for a sweet chewy surprise
- A splash of maple syrup in the frosting for a seasonal twist
- Swap half the butter in the batter with oil or Greek yogurt for a lighter crumb
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
- No mixer needed for the batter—just bowls and a whisk
- Applesauce keeps it ultra-moist without extra fat
- Perfect for fall, holidays, or any day you crave something nostalgic
- The frosting has just the right sweetness and a warm cinnamon touch
Ready to Go Viral?
This is the kind of cake that looks just as good as it tastes. Top with extra cinnamon and snap a photo—your followers will thank you.